Lets not forget the Open Carry Tarrant County whackadoo's in TX. Those chuckleheads aren't helping anyone with their antics! They are fodder for the liberals to malign & demonize gun owners. Nothing like playing into the hands of the enemy.
What about those rapists and robbers that conceal? What are they doing for the cause? Of course, we don't equate that with what we traditionally call concealed carry, but don't doubt for a minute that people unfamiliar or uncomfortable with guns do.
Is open carry always socially prudent? -NO
Always is a strong word. Is concealed carry always prudent? NO. I can't think of many things that are
always socially prudent. Since I have ten years experience with open carry in a place a little less accepting than AZ, I feel qualified to answer what I think you meant; YES, most of the time open carry is perfectly acceptable. In ten years I have encountered only two people that were unappreciative of open carry- one angry and one that wanted to debate firearms ownership. I've also had several dozen supportive comments from men and women.
--When a gun can be concealed then do so. Saves the 'looks' & calls to the police. Especially in urban areas.
People call the police for a lot of reasons, as I'm sure you're aware. If a black man walks through a white neighborhood someone will call the police. Is it legal? Yes. Are you going to shake him down for legal activity? No, not if you want to keep your job you won't.
Do the cops here in AZ really care about open carry? -NO
--but we do get annoyed when we do get those calls & have to address it just to find out it was avoidable had the person concealed it.
Are you for real? You're bitching because you have to do your damn job?! What the deuce? Cry us a river why don't you. I'm sure instead of responding to a open carry call, where you'll find no law has been broken, you'd prefer to go sort out a DV call, or a child rape case?
Regardless of what you may or may not think about tactical advantage & disadvantage of open vs. concealed carry, facts are facts.
Which are followed by beliefs, not facts.
1- If no one knows you are armed then you have the advantage already. Speed, surprise & violence of action.
Those were just used to initiate the confrontation and put you in a hole of which you'll have to fight your way out. I prefer to avoid the hole.
2- You also don't have the proverbial bullseye on your chest.
Proof? No, opinion again.
3- everyone you contact doesn't not give you the "that guy" look.
(Don't be a poser)
Poser? Posing to be what?
4- Help the gun rights movement by not looking like a militant loon. {Sorry, I hear that all the time from concerned citizens when they approach me about some person carrying their hog leg openly...its a BAD message folks}.
People that don't like guns aren't going to suddenly be pro-gun because they don't see guns. That's the most bizarre logic I've heard yet.
5- You will not have to deal with the police--unless you can't drive correctly.
I don't have to now anyway. Open carry is lawful here, so if you stop me for doing so I'll politely dismiss you.
6- Annonymity is good, be a blade of grass. Remember the weeds get killed first.
...and all the grass gets pooped on by that off-leash dog you should be catching. Get to it.
7- Use solid equipment for CCW & practice practice practice with it!
Use solid equipment for OC & practice practice practice with it!
8- Keep your head on a swivel, see them before they see you. DO NOT bury your face in electronic devices while in public.
It took a while, but you've finally posted some good advice.
Many open carriers use shoddy nylon cheap ambi holsters and DO NOT maintain situational awareness.
You believe that concealed carry guarantees quality holsters and situational awareness? Seriously?
Thankfully most gun toting souls are cognizant of the fact that CCW is better than OC.
You haven't, and cannot, prove either contention- that CC is better, or that most believe it.
PS: Use your dang head too!
We could say the same to you.
